Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.
The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
